James Leewright was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association and the Oklahoma Hospitality Foundation in June 2022. He leads the association’s strategic direction, organizational performance, and statewide advocacy efforts, ensuring that the needs of members remain at the forefront. Before joining the ORA, James served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma State Senate. His combined background in public service, business ownership, and hospitality leadership allows him to effectively champion the industry’s needs at both the state and national levels while driving profitability, managing organizational structure, and the association’s strategy. James also serves as CEO of the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association and the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association. He also represents the hospitality industry through service on the Oklahoma Foodservice Advisory Council, the Oklahoma Tourism Promotion Advisory Committee, and the OSU Spears School of Business Hospitality Tourism Management Advisory Board. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma City University.